XXXII. Upon the sight of a dark Lantern.
THere is light indeed, but so shut up as if it were not; and when the side is most open, there is light enough to give direction to him that bears it, none to others: He can discern another man by that light which is cast before him, but another man cannot discern him.
Right such is reserved Knowledge; no man is the better for it but the owner. There is no outward difference betwixt concealed skill and ignorance: and when such hidden knowledge will look forth, it casts so sparing a light, as [ E] may only argue it to have an unprofitable being; to have ability, without will to good; power to censure, none to benefit. The suppression or ingrossing of those helps which God would have us to impart, is but a Thieves Lantern in a true mans hand.
O God, as all our light is from thee, the Father of lights, so make me no niggard of that poor Rush-candle thou hast lighted in my Soul: make me more happy in giving light to others, then in receiving it into my self.